Peach Tree Identification

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Peach Tree Identification

Overview

Peach trees bear the scientific name Prunus persica. Common peach trees are fast growing and deciduous, and originate in China. They are notable for producing a popular and juicy edible fruit. Peach trees are members of the Rosaceae family of the Prunoideae subfamily. They can be cultivated in the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) plant hardiness zones five through nine. The trees can grow up to 15 feet in height, and have spreading crowns.

Leaves

Peach trees have lanceolate, alternate leaves that are generally between three and six inches in length, according to Virginia Tech's Tree ID fact sheet. The leaves tend to curve along their midribs, and are a glossy deep green color above and a lighter green below.

Flowers

The flowers of peach trees range from pink to lavender in color. They are approximately one inch long and have five petals. They are solitary or in pairs, and are often situated close together. The flowers show up towards the beginning of the spring.

Fruit

Peach trees, as their name indicates, bear the peach fruit. The flesh of the fruit is a yellow or whitish color, and has either a smooth or velvety texture. The peach has a sweet fragrance and delicate flesh that can bruise easily in some cultivars (there are firmer varieties, as well). It is approximately three inches in width, and the outside can be red or yellow in color. The fruit is very juicy and ripens around the middle of the summer, reports North Carolina State University's Prunus persica fact sheet.

Bark

The bark of peach trees is a dark gray color, and starts out smooth. The bark has elongated lenticels. With some time, the bark starts to split and develops a scaly and irregular appearance.

Twigs

New twigs of peach trees are either green or red in appearance. Later on, the twigs become a brownish-gray color. The buds of the tree are blunt with fuzzy and gray spur shoots.

About this Author

Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.